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Donald “D.J.” Callanan got pretty good at hiding the pain in his legs and feet. 

While traveling for work as a residential property asset manager, he’d steal a few minutes alone in his truck, away from the jobsite, so his crew wouldn’t see his discomfort. And when the workday was done, he’d retire to his hotel room and pile bags of ice onto his legs. 

Diagnosed with bilateral idiopathic small fiber neuropathy, D.J. was hampered by discomfort in his limbs—numb shins and a burning sensation in the soles and arches of his feet were routine. 

D.J.’s pain began in 2012, and he was eventually referred to a specialist who recommended a topical ointment. D.J., now 63, is an avid golfer and adept at working with his hands, but the cream only gave him enough relief to work in 15- to 20-minute spurts. He tried steroid injections, but even with those, the pain was still hard to manage. 

“The pain had just gotten to where it was unbearable,” he says.

By January 2025, years of working around the pain had taken its toll on D.J. That month, he  was referred to Alexander Chamessian, MD, PhD, a WashU Medicine pain management specialist at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Dr. Chamessian reviewed D.J.’s history and determined he would be an ideal candidate for a spinal cord stimulator. The device is implanted into the spine and sends electrical charges that interrupt pain signals. 

“I jumped at the opportunity to try anything that might help,” D.J. says. 

D.J. began his spinal stimulator trial period in March, and the change was like night and day. By the end of that first week, he estimated a 50% improvement in his pain. He was able to walk, sleep, and live with far less pain than just days before. 

“He was really ecstatic and getting outstanding relief,” Dr. Chamessian says. “He came to me saying how excited he was to go golfing and to basically relive life.”

Later that month, D.J. had surgery to permanently implant the stimulator’s wire and battery. 

Months after his procedure, D.J. is living with minimal pain. While not all the way gone, his discomfort is now at a level where he can enjoy his family and favorite hobbies. 

He recently played in his first golf tournament in years and is swinging a club pain-free. More importantly, he’s no longer masking his pain from the world. 

Are you looking for answers to lingering pain issues? Connect with our WashU Medicine experts at 314-542-9378.